Research in action

Dalhousie's contributions to science and innovation were among those celebrated at the 24th annual Discovery Awards in Halifax Tuesday (Nov. 10).

Three faculty members received awards during the gala for Professional of Distinction, Public Impact, and the Hall of Fame. 

Read on to learn more about this year's recipients as well as other affiliated finalists and winners:

Hall of Fame — Dr. Robert Bortolussi (Medicine)

Eminent scientists who have made a major, internationally recognized, impact on science and/or technology.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Bortolussi, professor emeritus in the Dal's Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Infectious Diseases, is an internationally recognized leader in science, health research, and global health innovation whose career spans five decades. His pioneering research in neonatal host defense established him as an authority and helped advance understanding of neonatal immunity, contributing to approaches to the diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis and infectious diseases. As vice president of research at the IWK Health Centre from 1991 to 2007, he helped elevate maternal and child health research to national prominence and secured a $20-million investment to establish the Richard B. Goldbloom Research and Clinical Care Pavilion. In 2008, Dr. Bortolussi co-founded MicroResearch, pioneering a community-based research model inspired by microfinance principles. The initiative now spans 11 countries, has trained more than 1,800 participants, and supported over 220 research projects.

Dr. Bortolussi said in an acceptance speech at the awards:

Without discovery, you cannot have implementation. In some cases, there is a void between those two entities. The discovery of Penicillin, you may not realize, but it was discovered, I think you could argue, in 1890. And it was not implemented for 50 years. In research, you call that the valley of death.

Professional of Distinction — Dr. Israat Haque (Computer Science)

A leading innovator and role model for people pursuing science and technology careers.

Dr. Israat Haque is an internationally recognized computer scientist and cybersecurity researcher whose pioneering work is advancing secure, intelligent, and energy-efficient digital infrastructure. As a professor in Dalhousie's Faculty of Computer Science, she has made contributions to computer networking, Internet of Things security, 5G/6G technologies, and AI systems. Her research has attracted more than $12 million in competitive funding and earned recognition from organizations including Intel, Meta, and Amazon. Her lab identified 13 major security vulnerabilities, working directly with vendors to ensure the issues were addressed. ecoAdapt reduces the energy consumed in serving large language models without compromising response speed. STITCH is deployed by Dalhousie's Information Technology Services, where it works alongside existing security solutions to protect students, faculty, and staff across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Dr. Haque said in an acceptance speech at the awards:

When I work with [my students], I always say ‘Focus on one thing, one problem. Let's do something that has an impact in real life.' So that's how we ended up working to find the fallibilities of smart home IoT [Internet of Things] devices. And we share those with vendors . . . We shared what we have found and how those could be fixed so that users won’t face any issues. So that's what I feel that we should do as scientists and researchers; focus on something that has an impact directly to the public.

Public Impact Award — Dr. Rita Orji (Computer Science)

A Nova Scotian researcher whose work delivers tangible economic, environmental, health, or social benefits.

Dr. Rita Orji is an internationally recognized leader in human-centred artificial intelligence, persuasive computing, and digital health whose research is translating emerging technologies into practical solutions that improve health and strengthen Nova Scotia's innovation ecosystem. As a professor and Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology at the Faculty of Computer Science  and a member of the United Nations' first-ever International Scientific Panel on AI, she leads research at the intersection of technology, behavioral science, and healthcare. Working with the IWK Health Centre, Nova Scotia Health, and community organizations, she has helped develop digital tools including an online mental health intervention that enrolled more than 1,000 Nova Scotia youth and the LifeLink app, which provides support for caregivers of individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. Through her research, mentorship, and leadership, she continues to advance responsible AI while creating meaningful benefits for Nova Scotia.

Dr. Orji said in an acceptance speech at the awards:

My parents taught me that it's okay not to have everything . . . But what is important is to know what you can do with the little you have in your hands. So we learn how to help each other. How to live as a community. How to use the little we have, contribute it together, and impact our community, and build our community.

Dalhousie finalists

Science Champion category

Dr. Paul Manning, associate professor, Faculty of Agriculture

Dr. Paul Manning's research explores declining insect populations, ecological health, and food security. Through talks and hands-on learning, he has reached over 1,000 students and 2,400 public members, while his articles in The Conversation have attracted over 250,000 readers. Honoured with Dalhousie’s Early Career Teaching Award, he also serves on the Nova Scotia Insect Recovery Team and volunteers weekly at Victoria Park’s parkrun.

Abigail Greek, Dalhousie student and researcher

Abigail Greek founded Mentorship in Medicine (MiM), an equity-focused program providing underserved high school students with exposure to medical careers. Partnering with the Boys and Girls Club and faculty surgeons, MiM serves 70–80 students each semester through hands-on clinical and surgical training. A Dalhousie Medicine student leader and CNIB volunteer, Abigail’s research on MiM earned first place at the Atlantic Medical Student Conference.

Emerging Professional category

Alexa Yakubovich, associate professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology

Dr. Alexa Yakubovich's research focuses on understanding and preventing violence against women. She has published over 40 articles and secured more than $5.7 million in funding. She led the Interprovincial Violence Against Women Project and now leads SHAPE, strengthening health system responses across Canada. Her findings inform international policies, and she serves on the boards of the North End Community Health Centre and Halifax Refugee Clinic.

Public Impact category

Dr. Stefanie Colombo, associate professor and Canada Research Chair, Aquaculture Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture

Dr. Stefanie Colombo has worked to develop innovative fish feeds that improve fish health and reduce environmental impacts. Partnering with industry and government, she researches alternative feed ingredients to increase omega-3 content and strengthen Nova Scotia supply chains. As Chair of Nova Scotia’s Aquaculture Science Advisory Committee and a Royal Society of Canada member, she advances sustainable seafood and the blue economy.

Alumni/Adjunct Award Winner

Emerging Professional category

Dr. Justine Dol, Dr. Margaret Oulton Accelerate Chair in Women+ Health Research at IWK Health

Dr. Justine Dol, an alum of Dal's Faculty of Health, leads the EMPOWER research program. She uses digital health to bridge care gaps, developing the Essential Coaching Postpartum text-messaging program. Her research also addresses early pregnancy loss, midlife health, and a Maritime-wide Women+ Health Priority Setting Partnership. Having authored over 100 publications, she collaborates with patients and clinicians to create lasting change in women’s health.

Alumni Finalist

Innovation category

Hollo Medical — Dr. David Hodgson and P.Eng Sara Fedullo

Dr. David Hodgson and P.Eng Sara Fedullo, co-founders of Hollo Medical, are developing a new generation of medical devices to make inhaler treatment more effective and discreet. Founded in Halifax in 2021, they created a pocket-sized portable holding chamber that improves medication delivery without the bulk of traditional spacers. After conducting over 2,000 interviews, an ongoing study shows over 80% of patients choose Hollo, earning them the $50,000 Innovation Den’s Accelerator Award.